A THIRTEEN-STRONG football squad has signed up as blood donors in support of a retired Methodist minister.

The Reverend Brian Shackleton, from Sinnington, near Pickering, is not collecting money when he takes part in the Great North Run on Sunday, but instead is collecting pledges to give blood from new or lapsed donors.

His wife, Alywn, died of leukaemia three-and-a-half years ago, having received 307 units of blood during her illness.

Since then, the Shackleton family has recruited more than 307 donors.

Among them are the 13 members of Sinnington Football Club.

Club captain Lee Mitchell said: "It's a great cause and one that is often forgotten. Good luck to Brian."

Rev Shackleton said: "Folk in the village were so supportive and kind during Alwyn's illness that this fantastic response from the football club doesn't surprise me.

"In my view, the promotion that they're giving to saving lives through giving blood puts them in the Premiership."